At 72, Liam Neeson has decided to close the chapter on dating. The Oscar-nominated actor, renowned for his iconic roles in films like Schindler’s List and Love Actually, reflects on his life with clarity and peace. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, he simply stated, “I’m past all that,” when asked if he’s currently dating. Instead, Neeson is choosing to focus on his career, family, and personal passions.
Remembering Natasha Richardson
Neeson’s heart has largely remained with his late wife, actress Natasha Richardson, who tragically passed away in 2009. The couple shared a deep bond, and after her death, Neeson briefly dated public relations executive Freya St. Johnston. However, he finds that he prefers to embrace solitude and the memories of his time with Richardson.
Past Relationships and Fond Memories
Reflecting on his romantic history, Neeson recalled relationships with several well-known actresses, including Barbra Streisand, Brooke Shields, and Helen Mirren. His relationship with Mirren, who starred alongside him in Excalibur, lasted four years, and the two maintain a friendly connection today. Neeson reminisces about their adventures, such as camping in the Loire Valley and attending a bullfight in Southwest France, recalling, “Helen was a good cook, cooking on an outside fire and stuff. Lovely.”
Family First
Though he’s set aside romantic pursuits, Neeson finds fulfillment in other aspects of life. His sons, Micheál, 29, and Daniel, 28, both live nearby in New York and share a close relationship with him. Micheál has followed in his father’s footsteps as an actor, while Daniel has ventured into entrepreneurship with his own tequila brand, De-Nada. Neeson cherishes their time together, whether watching movies, TV shows, or reminiscing about family traditions like fly-fishing, a pastime they enjoyed in the past.
Embracing Career and Solitude
Neeson remains active in his career, recently starring in Absolution and preparing for a role in a reboot of The Naked Gun. Despite his busy schedule, he values balance and schedules time off between projects. His ideal days off are filled with simple pleasures: sleeping in and getting lost in novels by Patricia Cornwell or Nordic noir mysteries. “I’m an avid reader,” he shared, describing the joy he finds in quiet, solitary pursuits.
A Grateful Perspective
Despite years of fame and personal loss, Neeson feels incredibly fortunate. He emphasizes the importance of appreciating life’s gifts, even on challenging days. “Even on a bad day on a movie set, I always nip myself and say, ‘Come on, come on. You have nothing to complain about,’” he says. With this positive outlook, Liam Neeson seems content to embrace each new chapter of life with gratitude and grace.